Direct comparison
LTL vs FTL: Paperwork and Class for Lab Freight
LTL vs FTL for lab and clinic freight: what each term means, how NMFC class and the bill of lading apply, and what to ask a carrier before you book.
Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
How do LTL (less than truckload) and FTL (full truckload) compare side by side?
The table below compares LTL (less than truckload) and FTL (full truckload) across 9 dimensions, from what the term means to when to pick it.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | LTL (less than truckload) | FTL (full truckload) |
|---|---|---|
| What the term means | A shipment that is less than a full truck load, so it does not take up the whole trailer. | A shipment that takes up a whole truck. The term comes from the shipment filling the truck, not from a set weight. |
| Classification system | NMFTA states that the NMFC keeps less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping consistent, fair and efficient. | NMFTA presents the NMFC as the LTL standard. Whether a given FTL quote uses a class is something to ask the carrier. |
| What drives the freight class | A class from 50 to 500, based on four transportation characteristics: density, handling, stowability and liability (NMFTA). | The NMFTA page describes these four characteristics for the NMFC. It does not say they set an FTL quote; ask the carrier what it uses. |
| Weight and dimensions | NMFTA says to use accurate measurements for weight and dimensions, never estimates, so density and class come out right. | The bill of lading must show weight, volume or measurement where that applies to rating the freight (49 CFR 373.101). Measure rather than estimate. |
| Tool for finding the class | NMFTA describes its ClassIT+ tool as a way to find the NMFC item number, calculate density and confirm freight class before you ship. | The NMFTA tool description is written for the NMFC item number and class. For FTL, ask the carrier what data it needs to quote. |
| Bill of lading | Every for-hire motor carrier covered by 49 CFR 373.100 must issue a receipt or bill of lading for property tendered in interstate or foreign commerce. It must show the consignor and consignee names, origin and destination, number of packages, a description of the freight, and the weight, volume or measurement where that applies to rating the freight (49 CFR 373.101, read 2026-11-03). | Every for-hire motor carrier covered by 49 CFR 373.100 must issue a receipt or bill of lading for property tendered in interstate or foreign commerce. It must show the consignor and consignee names, origin and destination, number of packages, a description of the freight, and the weight, volume or measurement where that applies to rating the freight (49 CFR 373.101, read 2026-11-03). |
| Driver hours rules | Hours-of-service limits apply, for example 11 hours of driving, no driving after 14 consecutive hours on duty, a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (49 CFR 395.3). | The same rules apply. They bound how far a driver can go in a day in any truck mode; they say nothing about which mode is faster. |
| Where "partial truckload" fits | Some carriers sell a partial truckload between LTL and FTL. Size limits differ by carrier, so ask how a shipment is classed as LTL. | Ask the carrier at what size or weight a shipment is quoted as a full truckload rather than a partial one. |
| When to pick it | Pick LTL when the shipment is smaller than a truck and you can provide measured weight, measured dimensions and the NMFC item number and class. | Pick FTL when the shipment is sized to use the whole truck, and confirm with the carrier what class or rating data it needs. |
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Common questions
Common questions about LTL (less than truckload) vs FTL (full truckload)
Is partial truckload the same as LTL?
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The sources read for this page do not define partial truckload. Carriers set their own size thresholds for LTL, partial and full truckload, so ask the carrier which one it is quoting and whether it applies an NMFC freight class to the shipment.
Does freight class apply to FTL?
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NMFTA describes the NMFC as the standard that keeps less-than-truckload shipping consistent and gives classes from 50 to 500. It does not say how FTL is quoted, so ask the carrier whether it needs a class or other rating data for a full truckload.
Who issues the bill of lading?
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Under 49 CFR 373.101, every for-hire motor carrier covered by 49 CFR 373.100 must issue a receipt or bill of lading for property tendered in interstate or foreign commerce, in either LTL or FTL. It must list the consignor and consignee, origin and destination, number of packages, freight description, and weight, volume or measurement where applicable to rating.
